UAE. Etihad Rail – the master developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network – has selected Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD), one of the world’s largest builders of diesel-electric locomotives, to design and manufacture seven heavy haul freight locomotives for delivery by 2012.

A key milestone for the AED40 billion project, the locomotives contract award is perfectly timed to support Etihad Rail’s inaugural service in the Abu Dhabi Emirate’s Western Region and reflects the requirement that the UAE-wide project will have the first trains running on schedule in 2013.

Following a competitive tender process, Etihad Rail awarded the contract to the U.S.-based company, a leader in the construction of diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications including intercity passenger, commuter, freight, industrial, and mining. EMD will design, manufacture, deliver, test and commission locomotives for stage 1 of the Etihad Rail network, running from Shah to Ruwais.

Highlighting the award, Etihad Rail CEO Richard Bowker said: “We are excited to be working with Electro-Motive Diesel as we are confident they will be able to provide stage 1 of our railway with locomotives designed and engineered to withstand the demanding climatic conditions of this region. Etihad Rail seeks to offer faster, safer, more reliable and more environmentally sustainable services compared to alternative transport systems. With the expertise of EMD, our locomotives will incorporate the latest emissions compliance technology, enabling the Etihad Rail network to provide many environmental benefits in addition to the positive economic and social impact rail brings as a whole.”

Etihad Rail will develop a 266km route in the Western Region that will carry trains transporting up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur daily from sources in Shah and Habshan for export abroad at the port of Ruwais.

This route marks the first phase of the 1,200km mixed-traffic network that will span across the Emirates – providing a modern, safe, and efficient method of transport for both freight and passengers.

The Etihad Rail network will also link the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the vote of confidence placed in EMD by Eithad Rail,” said Glen Lehmann, Chief Marketing Officer, International, for EMD. “The SD70ACS locomotive model is a service proven locomotive having shown its performance in the most challenging operating conditions on earth. We look forward to proving it out again in partnership with Etihad Rail.”

About Etihad RailEtihad Rail was established in June 2009 under Federal Law no. 2, with a mandate to manage the development, construction and operation of the UAE’s national freight and passenger railway network.

The railway network will be built in phases to link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE, as well as to form a vital part of the planned GCC railway network linking the six countries of the GCC.

Built to international standards, Etihad Rail’s state of the art network will act as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development. Once complete, the railway will redefine logistics and transport in the region, providing a modern, safe, efficient, sustainable network that will connect all regions of the UAE, and the UAE to its wider GCC neighbours.

About Electro-Motive DieselFounded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel is one of two U.S. original equipment manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in LaGrange, Illinois – with additional facilities in the USA, Canada, and Mexico – EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications, in more than 70 countries. The Company has produced over 72,500 diesel engines, and the largest installed base of diesel-electric locomotives worldwide.

EMD also offers aftermarket replacement parts and value-added services for its locomotives. In 2010 EMD was acquired by Progress Rail Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., and a leading supplier of remanufactured locomotive and railcar products and services.

Headquartered in Albertville, Alabama, PRS serves its customers through a network of more than 150 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS COMMENT & ANALYSIS

INTERNATIONAL. Washington is moving away from the strategy it has followed since the early 2000s - of being the prime military force in regional conflicts - and is shifting the primary burden of fighting to regional powers while playing a secondary role.

INTERNATIONAL. Washington is moving away from the strategy it has followed since the early 2000s - of being the prime military force in regional conflicts - and is shifting the primary burden of fighting to regional powers while playing a secondary role.